From: photoduniya.com

The musicians who I have been meeting and photographing for the last one year has more to think of than just music. Playing on the streets and attracting the law keepers is in itself a big challenge. While normally the policemen do not prevent the musicians from playing, it is not so legal to earn money like that. In a way, that act becomes very similar to peddling or hawking, and hence illegal.

Playing within a private property is not allowed. And music which requires electrical boom boxes raise the sound level and hence has its own restrictions.

Think of it. Right in front of Macy’s, where thousands are shopping shoes and fancy clothes for hundreds of dollars, and a musician playing for four hours could make about a hundred dollar if he is very lucky! What a shame! Over and above that, the paid private security also flexes their muscles whenever they can.

Good news! Early this month, the San Francisco Port Authority acknowledged the Street Musicians and plans to certify them to play, entertain and sell their work on streets. You could read more on the San Francisco Street Musician’s Guild page. The detailed plan is now being worked upon by the authorities and the musician’s representatives.